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Investigators in Union Vale suspect brake failure as the cause of a deadly crash involving a box truck last week. The incident occurred on Thursday (May 29) at around 2:55 p.m. on Wingdale Mountain Road. According to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, a 2007 Freightliner box truck, driven by Ronald Argenis-Rivera, 32, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, lost control while descending a steep hill and veered off the road, colliding with several trees. The truck was carrying furniture and is registered to Hernandez-Torres LLC, also based in Elizabeth.
The crash resulted in the death of the passenger, Mario Ernesto-Hernandez, 38, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Argenis-Rivera was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The road near Clove Valley Road was closed for about four hours following the crash to allow for investigation and cleanup.
Preliminary findings by the Sheriff's Office suggest that brake failure was the primary factor in the accident. The investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Dutchess County Medical Examiner, the New York State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, and the Town of Union Vale Fire Department. More information may be released as it becomes available.